Corn Shortage Idles 20 Ethanol Plants Nationwide

[Purveyor]

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- The persistent drought is taking a toll on producers of ethanol, with corn becoming so scarce that nearly two dozen ethanol plants have been forced to halt production.

The Renewable Fuels Association, an ethanol industry trade group, provided data to The Associated Press showing that 20 of the nation's 211 ethanol plants have ceased production over the past year, including five in January. Most remain open, with workers spending time performing maintenance-type tasks. But ethanol production won't likely resume until after 2013 corn is harvested in late August or September.

Industry experts don't expect a shortage - millions of barrels are stockpiled and the remaining 191 plants are still producing. Still, there is growing concern about what happens if the drought lingers through another corn-growing season.

"There's a lot of anxiety in the industry right now about the drought and a lot of folks watching the weather and hoping and praying this drought is going to break," said Geoff Cooper, vice president for research and analysis for the Renewable Fuels Association.

MORE...

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_ETHANOL_CORN_SHORTAGE?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2013-02-10-12-42-44

[MadHound]

1. Well, that's one good thing about this drought,

Ethanol is one of the biggest scams going, and it needs to end.

[Purveyor]

2. I don't think people are using it either just based on the price. E85 is selling for $3.28g while

gasoline is selling for $3.79. Used to be only a .25-.30 difference around here.

[MadHound]

5. Oh, here in Missouri, virtually everybody is forced to use it,

A law was passed a few years back forcing our gas to be blended with ten percent ethanol. Decreases gas mileage, and plays holy hell with two stroke engines(I've had to replace carbs in both my chainsaw and weed whacker due to the deterioration of the gaskets). There are a few rare gas stations that are selling ethanol free premium specifically for two stroke engines, it costs more, but it is worth it in time saved and blood pressure lowered.

Now there is a move afoot to force a fifteen percent ethanol blend on us. That's really going to raise holy hell, because cares that are pre-2003 simply can't run on it, or at least not very long without wrecking the engine.

Ethanol is nothing more than a scam to make big bucks for Monsanto and other big corn growers.

[Purveyor]

10. Oh we are stuck with the 10% blend also but the E85 is 85% ethanol. Just like your state, only a

few places where you can still buy the real deal, marinas mainly.

[jsr]

3. No kidding

Betcha many people think the higher percentage ethanol, the better.

[upi402]

4. Shortages in commodities are suspect

Monsanto, ADM, big agra in general = one corrupt cartel.

[MadHound]

7. Normally I would agree with you,

But after watching acre after acre of corn die last summer, I have no doubt that there is a corn shortage.

[newfie11]

8. As a farm owner in western NE I agree with you

And this year isn't looking any better. No rain and a total of 3 " dry power snow all winter.

[upi402]

9. Good point

Climate change is overarching.

[Brother Buzz]

6. Perhaps they should dust off the Switchgrass scam plan

Switchgrass is drought tolerant

[FarCenter]

11. It's cheaper to make ethanol from crude oil than from corn

But the legislation doesn't permit it to be used in gasoline.